Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on Monday for efforts from non-Party members to actively contribute their suggestions and opinions on improving the country's governance in order to write a new chapter of multiparty cooperation in the new era.

Xi, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark at a gathering attended by representatives of non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and people without party affiliation.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended his sincere greetings and best wishes to non-Party members as well as those who are engaged in united front work for the upcoming Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 12.

He said 2021 marks the first year for the country to implement the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for National Economic and Social Development and to start the new journey of fully building China into a modernized socialist country. This year, the CPC will celebrate its centenary, he added.

Xi urged non-Party members to firm up their belief in socialism with Chinese characteristics, and uphold and improve the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation led by the CPC.